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This album is an emotionally vulnerable trip through the dark passages of our ethos with experienced guides showing us the true beauty shining through.
It’s like sailing a raft down a river of sound. The turbulence constantly growing the further you venture, providing a rollicking good time that only occasionally slows to allow us to catch a breath.

Jamie’s vocals tear through the psyche like a mournful spirit, crying out with an absolute tenderness that smolders with passion. Even when delivering lines such as “we didn’t give a f**k what other people had to say” there’s a feeling that she really cares about she’s singing. I hope they weren’t right, and this is a band that was “meant to last“.

Urban Canals displays a harmony and fellowship that is rarely seen in a first release. They play off each others strengths to create a soundscape that dazzles the mind. There’s a clearly audible passion amongst them that is wonderful to hear.
From the beginning to end, the cohesion is solid between Alex Hindriks’ guitar work, Alex Rolstons’ driving drums and Jamie Stoneman’s soothing bass and keys.

I love the outro on ‘First Time Flying.’ It’s moments like this that really showcase the kicking vibe that makes Urban Canal‘s stand out from other indie bands.
At times, such as during the first track ‘Eye Contact,’ there’s a groove that reminds me of early 60’s pop bands, funky yet refined.
“Balconies,” as short as it is at only 48 seconds long, is a tender expose that highlights the variety of sentiment expressed throughout the album.
A truly Brantfordian track, “Back to the Factories” speaks to the confinement we all feel in an urban decaying sprawl. Alex Hindriks adeptly takes the lead on this track, with Jamie providing backup vocals and an introductory joyful shout. I had flashbacks of “breaking windows and smashing walls…back there in the factories.” “It’s all we’ve ever known,” indeed.

From beginning to end, this is a very strong album from Brantford’s Urban Canals that we at BrantfordBands highly recommend picking up today.

A word from the band:

We encourage you to go to our Band Camp and download it for free![ BB Edit: Love Urban Canals? You can also name your own price and pay as much as you’re able 😉 ]
We would like to thank Dan Taylor and Nikole Taylor at CCSound Studios for all their hard work and time in and out of the studio. We would also like to thank Jesus Maza and Breanne Mackenzie whom have taken all the photos you see associated with the album’s design. Thank you all so much! We couldn’t have done it without you

Have a listen for yourself,
and download Urban Canals‘ “See You On the Other Side” NOW!